Whether you’re a pop goddess, a computer geek, a fashionista or the fastest man on Earth, some secrets to success seem to apply across the board.
It may not be step-by-step advice, but there are definitely some inspiring insights that can motivate you to achieve your own goals.
We’ve pulled together top tips on how to be a success from some major players across a bunch of industries to see what made the difference for them.
Sweat for rewards
Usain Bolt
“Goals have a cost. While you can daydream for free, goals don’t come without a price. Time, effort, sacrifice, and sweat. How will you pay for your goals?”
Criticism can be useful
Taylor Swift
“The first step to receiving negativity is to decide whether or not it is the opinion of somebody who you care about. If it’s somebody who I respect, then I really do take it into account… I’ve gotten criticism from journalists who I respect that I legitimately applied to my career and my song-writing, and it’s made me better.”
Know your stuff
Bill Gates
“The most meaningful way to differentiate your company from your competitors, the best way to put distance between you and the crowd is to do an outstanding job with information. How you gather, manage and use information will determine whether you win or lose.”
Think outside the box
Victoria Beckham
“I get excited by being told it’s not been done before or it’s not possible. Why? Let’s find a different way to do it and let’s do it. Now, that’s exciting!”
Failure is not a reason to stop trying
David Beckham (because we love a husband and wife team)
“The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them.”
Accept that there will be losses
Beyonce
“In my mind we would perform on Star Search, we would win, we would get a record deal, and that was my dream at the time. There’s no way in the world I would have ever imagined losing as a possibility. At that time, you don’t realise that you could work super hard and give everything you have and lose. It was the best message for me.”
Treat others with respect
Richard Branson
“Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
Know the value of a team
HRH Queen Elizabeth II
“I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.”
Do what you love
Heston Blumenthal
“I’ve been a door-to-door salesman, a debt collector, I was even an accountant. But I was always obsessed with food. If I wasn’t kickboxing, I would be making 20 versions of creme brulee.”